Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya is set to leave the club and return to Australia. The club announced on Friday that the 28-year-old, who served as captain during a preseason match earlier this year, has been granted a release from the final year of his contract after joining the Warriors in 2021.
Warriors general manager of recruitment, pathways, and development Andrew McFadden expressed satisfaction with Montoya’s decision, stating, “We were happy for Marcelo to see out his contract with us but we’re really pleased he has found a club back in Australia giving him longer-term security.”
It is widely speculated that Montoya will rejoin his former team, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Reports indicate that the Bulldogs are looking to replace Josh Addo-Carr following the winger’s recent drug scandal, with Addo-Carr receiving permission to leave the club.
During his tenure with the Bulldogs from 2017 to 2020, Montoya scored 19 tries in 54 appearances. McFadden praised Montoya’s contributions, saying, “He has been a terrific person to have at our club for the last four seasons. He made a major contribution on and off the field, and we wish him and his wife, Tayla, all the best for their future.”
It remains unclear whether the couple’s podcast, titled “The Montoyas,” will continue following his move from Auckland.
Montoya recorded 30 tries in 82 appearances for the Warriors, having played all 27 games in the 2023 season. His departure marks a significant turnover for the club, as he joins Shaun Johnson and Addin Fonua-Blake in leaving the team this season.